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To Praise vs Praising Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To praise (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to praise" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to praise my team for their hard work.

Praising (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "praising" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Praising others can boost their confidence.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To praise (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To praise is important for building morale.

    To praise is important for building morale.

    • "*To praise*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for building morale).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to praise her performance.

    She wants me to praise her performance.

    • "Me *to praise* her performance" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to praise* her performance).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a reason to praise him.

    I need a reason to praise him.

    • "*To praise* him" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to praise* him).

Praising (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Praising others is a way to show appreciation.

    Praising others is a way to show appreciation.

    • "*Praising* others" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a way to show appreciation).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy praising my employees for their hard work.

    I enjoy praising my employees for their hard work.

    • "*Praising* my employees for their hard work" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*praising* my employees for their hard work).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for praising people.

    She has a talent for praising people.

    • "For *praising* people" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *praising* people).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

We decided to praise their efforts at the award ceremony.

They hope to praise the students' achievements during the graduation ceremony.

He wants to praise the team for their dedication and commitment.

She plans to praise the performers after the show.

They chose to praise her for her outstanding performance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys praising her friends for their achievements.

They recommend praising employees for their contributions.

I avoid praising someone just to gain favor.

He is considering praising her for her efforts.

Do you mind praising me in front of everyone?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to praise my students for their hard work. I like praising my students for their hard work.

She started to praise herself for her accomplishments. She started praising herself for her accomplishments.

We began to praise the volunteers for their dedication. We began praising the volunteers for their dedication.

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